Great Rail Journeys
Biarritz & Bordeaux Cruise
Ten-day escorted French trip pairing rail travel with a Bordeaux river cruise
10 daysfrom $4,005
40% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
Cruise along the River Rhône on MS Amadeus Provence. Discover historic cities and towns, and relax on board making full use of the superb facilities.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (sailing to Tournon-sur-Rhône)
Boarding our ship in Lyon
Meet the Tour Manager and travel group at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Paris. Switch trains in Paris and continue on the regional service to Lyon. On arrival, a coach transfer takes you to the waterfront where MS Amadeus Provence awaits. Settle into cabins, enjoy a welcome cocktail on the sun deck, then a first five-course dinner with drinks package before setting sail for Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (Avignon)
The steam powered Train de l'Ardèche
Travel by coach to Tournon St Jean railway station to board the Train de l'Ardèche. Take a memorable journey through the spectacular Gorges du Doux region. Return to Tournon-sur-Rhône by train, reboard the ship and have lunch while sailing to Avignon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (Arles)
Exploring Avignon & Palais des Papes
Guided tour of Avignon via Le Petit Train d'Avignon. Visit the historic centre, papal palaces, majestic cathedral and enter the Pope's Palace. Return to ship for lunch, then free time to explore Avignon independently. Five-course dinner before sailing for Arles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (sailing to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône)
Arles walking tour, Pont du Gard or the Camargue Delta
Guided walking tour of Arles with entrance to the Arles Arenas and St Trophyme Cathedral. Return to ship for lunch, then choose between two optional excursions: the Camargue Delta (wild horses, flamingos) or the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct. Return to ship for dinner and overnight sailing to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (Lyon)
The Ardèche Gorge, 'Europe's Grand Canyon'
Visit the stunning Ardèche Gorge, including the natural stone arch of the Pont d'Arc and views from the Serre de Tourre. Conclude with a visit to the Lavender Museum. Rejoin the ship in Le Pouzin and enjoy lunch while sailing towards Lyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône)
France's gastronomic centre, Lyon
Guided tour of Lyon including the Old Town with its narrow cobbled streets and hidden traboules, concluding with a praline tasting. Return to ship for lunch, then free afternoon to explore Lyon at leisure. Dinner on board before cruising to Chalon-sur-Saône through scenic hills, vineyards and châteaux.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (Lyon)
Arriving in the Burgundy wine region
Arrive in Chalon-sur-Saône. Early breakfast on board, then coach to Beaune for a guided city tour of the medieval town. Wine tasting of celebrated Burgundy wines including pinot noir and Chardonnay. Return to ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon sailing back towards Lyon. Gala dinner on board in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
Breakfast on board before disembarking in Lyon for the final time. Coach transfer to Lyon railway station, train to Paris, then Eurostar back to London St Pancras International.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Provence
- Excellent service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- First & Standard Class rail options available
- Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
- All excursions included
- Entrance to Arles Arenas and St Trophyme Cathedral
- Entrance to the Pope's Palace in Avignon
- Entrance to the Lavender Museum
- Train de l'Ardèche journey
- Le Petit Train d'Avignon transfers
- Choice of optional excursion in Arles (Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard)
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
